Chops Not Chaps

Chops Not Chaps

Best known initially as a sympathetic sideman to John Lee Hooker and later as the producer who oversaw the great bluesman's '80s commercial comeback, Rogers is an estimable recording artist in his own right. <I>Chops Not Chaps</I>, his first album, showcases his sterling slide technique over the course of 11 originals and covers. Rogers, who's also a pretty fair singer, is under the spell of Robert Johnson here, covering four of his songs. These versions won't make you forget the originals, but they may help you develop a deeper appreciation of deep blues. <I>--Steven Stolder</I>